The Clock Should Be Ticking For GM Hendry

It is time for Hendry to prove that he can build the Cubs into a playoff contender, and quickly. Jim Hendry has worked with the Cubs since 1995 and took over as GM in 2002. Under Hendry, the Cubs have made three playoff appearances, all as NL Central Division Champions(’03,’07’,’08). However, the Cubs have just won one playoff series under Hendry.

Jim Hendry has definitely had his shares of ups and downs in his 9 years as Cubs GM. In 2003, the Cubs reached the NLCS and fell one win short of a birth into the World Series. Everything seemed positive for the Cubs at the time and their future. Unfortunately their success did not last long after 2003. Cubs young starters, Wood and Prior, both suffered injuries and could not stay off the DL. Also, Cubs slugger, Sammy Sosa was plagued by injuries and a corked bat scandal.

Between 2003 and 2007, Hendry was responsible for the trades acquiring Derrek Lee and Nomar Garciaparra. Derrek Lee turned out to be a great trade for the Cubs. Lee produced well for the Cubs until being traded to the Braves in 2010. Unfortunately, Superstar Nomar Garciaparra was also plagued by injuries and did not last long as a Cub.

Also Hendry was responsible for acquiring current Cubs third basemen Aramis Ramirez.

In 2007 after naming Lou Piniella manager, Hendry made a huge signing of Alfonso Soriano. The slugger was given an 8 year 136million dollar deal with the Cubbies. Yet again the signing has not lived up to the money, as Soriano has struggled in his 5 year stay in Chicago so far.

Perhaps one of the biggest mistake of Hendry is his willingness to give no-trade clauses. The Cubs could easily trade Aramis Ramirez for a good prospect right now, but he refuses to give up his no trade clause.

After 9 years as GM, Jim Hendry needs to pull of some good trades or signings this month or this off-season or else he should have to find another job.

2 comments

Hendry made some good moves early in his tenure with the Cubs, however he hasn’t been that good over the last 3-4 years. The Cubs have a lot of work to do to turn this organization into a contender once again. Hopefully, it happens soon.